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The former Brazilian leader has been arrested after authorities determined he posed a concrete flight risk while under house arrest.

The ex-president was sentenced of planning a armed takeover in last fall and given more than 27 years in incarceration, but he continued under house arrest pending appeals.

Top Judicial Official Justice Moraes said the decision to arrest the septuagenarian politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" emerged.

This included seeking to disable his ankle monitor and a summons to a public vigil that could enable a chance to flee".

Court Filing Details Escape Risks

In a filing authorising the custody, Justice Moraes said data from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the ex-president's "intention to break the surveillance device to guarantee victory in his flight.

This, it said, would be assisted by the confusion caused by the protest called by his offspring.

His child, his son Flávio, who serves as a legislator, called for a assembly of his supporters near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday evening.

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on digital networks on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your nation, or observe everything from your mobile device there on your couch? I invite you to fight with us."

He said the vigil would be so followers could "pray for his health and for the restoration of democratic rule in our land."

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of Justice Moraes's determination was the chance of the former president's transfer to diplomatic missions near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a history of arranging to ask for protection through a embassy office", a statement said.

The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the national capital, Brazil's capital, is positioned around 8 miles from the former president's residence.

Global Responses

His judicial problems have generated frustration from fellow populist conservative American leader Trump, prompting him to enact a 50% tariff on Brazilian product imports.

He is being detained in a national police facility in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a custody hearing on Sunday.

Latest Court Petitions

It was only on last Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to authorize him to serve his whole jail sentence under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.

They also requested that Bolsonaro be allowed to depart his residence for medical care, saying he needed regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other health problems.

Background on Conviction

The former president was determined responsible of heading a scheme aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the 2022 election to his left-wing rival, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he had knowledge of a plan which included plans to murder the current president and his vice-presidential running mate, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Alexandre de Moraes - the top judicial official who has been overseeing the former president's case.

The plot was prevented because it failed to get the backing of the army and air force commanders. His successor was took office without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a following week, on 8 January, thousands of his backers attacked and damaged official structures in the national capital, Brasília.

The law enforcement stepped in and around approximately 1,500 persons were detained.

The magistrates found that the rioters had been incited by the former president whose strategy, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, reestablish control and reinstate his authority.

At the time, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

He was also prohibited from seeking elected position until 2060 - a decade minus two years after the completion of his term.

The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him participating in the 2026 national vote.